OK Mam, Yes Mam, Thank You Mam, Teach MAM.

Why Teach MAM?

As a former elementary music teacher, I know how important music, art and movement are in teaching the “whole child.” I was more than disappointed when I changed schools and my position as music teacher was eliminated. The students would no longer have music as a scheduled class. I thought of all the children who I had taught to read music, play recorders, play the keyboard. I had introduced them to all types of music. My goal was for these students to have a love of music and to be able to read music. This would hopefully allow and inspire them to play in the band, play an instrument or be in a choir when they reached junior high and high school. But – the music stopped.

I also watched other music, art and movement programs cut out of schools due to budget issues or lack of teachers. Physical education sometimes morphed into recess. I heard of schools using the walking time between classes to count toward their required PE time. The whole idea of children not having music, art and movement is so sad to me. The data is strong and shows clearly that music, art and movement enhance and encourage student success in the other core subjects. Teaching the whole child is critically important. So, this desire for teaching the whole child by supporting arts in our schools was my inspiration for Teach MAM. In the South and also in the military “mam” and “sir” are words of respect. The acronym MAM works perfectly to promote music, art and movement education. Perfect fit! Teach MAM.